Question 1

How quickly can Palm Build respond to water damage in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

Palm Build dispatches from our South Florida hub and coordinates Central Florida response. For Orlando, expect initial team arrival within 3–4 hours of your call. Our 24/7 emergency line is (754) 600-3369. For immediate containment while you wait, shut off the water supply at the main and place towels or plastic sheeting at the perimeter of the affected area.

Question 2

What does water damage restoration cost in Orlando, FL?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on damage category and scope. Minor water damage (Category 1, small area) typically runs $1,200–$2,500. Category 2 damage with contaminated water runs $2,500–$5,000. Slab leaks requiring subsurface drying and flooring removal average $3,500–$8,000+. Multi-unit condo losses with cross-unit migration can exceed $20,000 depending on the number of affected units. Most costs are covered by standard HO-3 homeowners policies for sudden and accidental losses.

Question 3

What are the most common causes of water damage in Orlando homes?

Accepted Answer

The four most common causes in Orlando are: (1) slab leaks from aging supply lines under the concrete foundation, (2) HVAC condensate drain overflow from clogged pans in air handlers running 10–11 months per year, (3) tropical storm and wet-season rain intrusion through roof-to-wall connections and stucco cracks, and (4) closed-basin stormwater flooding in lake-adjacent neighborhoods.

Question 4

How do slab leaks happen in Orlando homes and how are they found?

Accepted Answer

Orlando homes are built on slab-on-grade foundations with no basement or crawl space — plumbing runs through or beneath the concrete. Aging pipes (especially homes built 1978–1995 with polybutylene plumbing), soil movement, and chlorinated municipal water all cause pinhole leaks. Palm Build locates slab leaks using FLIR infrared thermal imaging, which shows hidden moisture plumes beneath tile floors before any surface damage is visible.

Question 5

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

Standard HO-3 policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from internal sources (burst pipes, appliance failures, HVAC overflow). They typically exclude flood damage from external stormwater, gradual leaks, and most slab leaks unless the leak was sudden. Florida Statute 627.70132 requires you to file notice within 1 year of the loss date. Palm Build provides adjuster-ready documentation including moisture maps, drying logs, and photo evidence from day one.

Question 6

What's different about water damage in multifamily or condo buildings in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

Orlando has the highest multifamily density in our service area — 25% of housing units are in buildings with 20+ units. Water in these buildings migrates through shared floors, walls, and mechanical chases, potentially affecting multiple units before the source is found. Restoration requires coordinating with the HOA or property manager, isolating the source unit's plumbing, documenting across all affected units for the master policy and individual HO-6 policies, and following the building's specific shutdown and access procedures.

Question 7

How does Orlando's wet season affect water damage risk?

Accepted Answer

Orlando's wet season (June–September) accounts for roughly 57% of annual rainfall, with June averaging over 8 inches. This creates a predictable seasonal spike in roof-to-wall intrusion, HVAC system overloads from humidity, stormwater system saturation, and lake-adjacent flooding. Historically, major events like Hurricane Milton (October 2024) and the March 2025 EF2 tornado in Seminole County demonstrate that even non-coastal Orlando gets severe storm damage that requires emergency restoration response.

Water Damage Restoration in Orlando, Florida

Water Damage in Orlando? Every Minute Matters.